Children spend about 70 percent of their waking hours outside of school, according to the Michigan Department for Education. So, while many think that it's a teacher's job to educate a child, as a parent, you have the opportunity to contribute substantially to your child's overall education. The implications of parental involvement in education include higher achievement, better relationships, and more capable and well-rounded kids. And, the earlier you can get involved, the better.
Early Years
Getting involved as a parent right from the earliest opportunity helps your child develop. For example, young children showed better attainment and development when parents used number and letter games during playtime, a 2004 study by the United Kingdom Department of Education found. Gains in attainment in children between ages 3 and 7 included higher levels of reading, math and other skills. Games can include anything from drawing and painting to learning songs and simple counting.
Ongoing Involvement
Helping older children can have as much impact on their success as helping a very young child. Children ages 11 to 16 with highly involved parents achieve an average of 15 to 17 percent higher grades in mathematics and literacy tests, according the the U.K. study on parental involvement. Involvement doesn't just include sitting down to help with homework. Engaging your child in discussions about their interests or encouraging them to get involved with outside groups or societies also helps their development. Similarly, offering suitable rewards for a job well done keeps motivation levels high.
Your Time
One of the implications of getting more involved n your child's education is the demands it places on your time. For example, working with your child at home, driving her to events and groups, or attending school meetings all takes time and effort. You may have to develop a more disciplined schedule or cut back on some of your leisure activities. However, the bonding between you and your child as your work together and the progress she'll make at school make it a worthwhile sacrifice.
Considerations
Whether you're financially comfortable or in a low-paid job doesn't have as much influence on your child's future success as your input into their education. Your expectations from your child are more important than the amount of money you earn. According to statistics from the Michigan Department of Education, three-quarters of high-achieving young people had parents with high aims and targets for their children. Build self-belief into your child and she may rise to the challenge. Set her expectations too low, and she'll aim that much lower.
References
- Michigan Department of Education; What Research Says About Parental Involvement in Education; 2002
- Department for Education; The Effective Provision of Pre-School Education (EPPE) Project: Final Report; Kathy Sylva, et al.; 2004
- Department for Education and Skills: The Impact of Parental Involvement on Children's Education
